None of us can deny that we are leading a ‘robotic’ life to meet the expectations of this technologically advanced world. Struggling to be the best at what we do and constantly trying to fit in, my mind drifts back to the time when I wore the facade of being a robot and worked relentlessly to achieve the goals I had set and then ultimately was awarded by a soul soothing opportunity. In the midst of nowhere, I got invited by the President of India to visit and enjoy their culture and heritage - an unexpected dream come true? Well, I am sure you would think the same if you were a part of it, or if you read my experience regarding this wonderful trip.

Before the trip started

It was another busy day for me rushing towards classes at my university and preparing for the never-ending exams, when I first heard about the youth delegation to India program. It was my favorite teacher Sabrina Rahman Archie, youth delegate of India 2014, who insisted that I apply for it. I was sure my parents wouldn’t allow me on an international trip but I still managed their permission regarding it. After a lengthy selection procedure, only three from BRAC University were finally selected as delegates of the 100 member-Bangladeshi Youth Delegation 2016.

Being selected for the prestigious program, the anticipation of going for a trip for the very first time to India and to meet the President of India would give me instant goosebumps at that time. However, I had my final exams going on and it became quite tough to suppress my inner excitement regarding it. But I still managed to keep my grades consistent by the grace of God. It was a huge honor for me to be able to represent my country abroad.

Flagging off ceremony at India house

Before going on this dream trip with diversified talented youths, we were invited by Harsh Vardhan Shringla, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, at his residence on Dec 2 last year. It was the first time where all 100 of us met each other. Members of the 2016 delegation were drawn from different regions of the country, various backgrounds and educational institutions of Bangladesh. They comprised students, artists, sportspersons, journalists, doctors, engineers, models, radio jockeys and social workers who were all best at their own field.

With Harsh Vardhan Shringla, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, the writer on the left and Mourin Kibtia on the right at the flagging off ceremony.

Indira Gandhi International Airport.

First day of the trip

Fourth of December 2016 was the first day of the programme; the journey from Dhaka to New Delhi was a morning flight by Jet Airways and the best part of it being able to see the mesmerizing Himalayas on the way to New Delhi. I have had flight experiences before but this was a most special one. After landing at Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi, we were astonished by the sight of it - its sheer length, brilliant architectural beauty, enormous facilities available and lots of options to shop and dine. We weren’t surprised when we found out it was the world's best airport for two consecutive times in the Airport Service Quality rankings of the Airports Council International (ACI).

We were warmly welcomed by Indian officials, and the delegates were divided into groups with one leader each. Then we were led to our respective buses in a very organized manner. All the credit goes to Kallyan Kanti Das who was our mentor, coordinator and friend throughout the trip. His dedication to his job must be appreciated.

Our lunch was arranged at the Red Fox hotel, which was a tremendously beautiful restaurant and had delicious Indian cuisines.

After this, we headed to the National Museum of India. There we were exposed to a world class collection of excavations, objects and artifacts from various civilizations, including Harappa, Mohenjo-daro to modern India before and after independence. There were many galleries but my personal favorites were the Bronze gallery which showcases fine bronzes artwork depicting the change in religious art over time. And the jewellery gallery which was undoubtedly the most enchanting gallery for all the female delegates.

The Jewellery gallery at the national museum.

The lobby of The Ashoka hotel.

We were then taken to our next destination, which was Delhi Gate, where we found ourselves in an awesome ambience in the darkness of the evening. India Gate was illuminated and looked spectacular. This is a very popular spot as we found it overcrowded with locals and tourists alongside us.

Right after this was the most thrilling part of the day, metro experience of New Delhi. Our group had the most alert and well informative leader. But unfortunately, all his efforts were wasted as one of our delegates was unable to get in and was left out. This was not all; after crossing several stations we found that we had taken the wrong metro. Consequently, all of us freaked out but later managed to take the right metro and reach our destination after eleven stops. It was a hectic journey, but we sure did give other delegates a fun topic to talk about after the lost group of delegates finally returned safely to the buses.

And before I slept I just had a glimpse of the whole day like a movie trailer. Couldn’t believe the first day would make all the strangers feel so close and bonded as we all shared the same excitement about the destinations ahead. I went to bed with the realisation that reality is better than dreams.